Federer eyes semi-final place

Roger Federer will try again to book his place in the Wimbledon semi-finals today after showing a surprising first glimpse of frailty.

Federer led Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero 5-2 in the opening set of their quarter-final before dropping the next three games, losing his serve to love with some shocking unforced errors.

The weather then intervened yet again and means Federer has played just 10 games since last Friday due to the rain and fourth-round opponent Tommy Haas having to withdraw with an abdominal muscle injury.

However, the Swiss star was probably glad of the rain for once after that uncharacteristic lapse against former French Open champion Ferrero, who possesses the quality to derail the defending champion's bid for a record-equalling fifth straight title.

All four men's quarter-finals are scheduled to be played today, with Federer following the man he beat in last year's final, Rafael Nadal, onto Centre Court.